My son leaves tomorrow

My oldest son is in the Marine Corp and he is leaving tomorrow for two years!!! I am so upset tonight I am really having a very hard time. He is my rock and I am his so this is going to be a HUGE void in my life.

I am so trying to stay positive around him though. It will be a very exciting experience for him, he is going to Japan and hopefully will not be deployed to Iraq.

Please say some prayers for him to have a safe trip and for me to get a handle on my grief!

Prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way. I know this must be a hard time in a parent's life. On the positive side, deployment to Japan does sound exciting and will be a great opportunity for him. I pray for your strength and for your son's safety. Kim

my exmil cried when my husband joined the uscg. they came and visited us or we visited him. i know your son will be away for a lengthy time. just write some letters and send those care packages to him.

I cannot imagine not seeing my child for 2 years! Especially with them living that far away. My cousin went 18 months w/o seeing her son. He has been in Iraq and Germany. I remember how difficult it was for her. She did adjust, just as you will.

Cry all you need. This is a loss and you are going to grieve. You know you will find love and support from many on this board!